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Posts Tagged ‘white wine’

A fun bunch at Lailey Vineyard

Posted by Eva

Wednesday, June 19th, 2013

Savvy Selections wine of the month club
Featuring Lailey Vineyard
- June 2013 -

Fruit trees & a few hybrid grapes were once farmed along the Niagara Parkway by husband & wife team William & Nora Lailey. Following in their footsteps as farmers, their son, David (a school teacher) and his wife Donna purchased the family farm & after many conversations around the kitchen table, David & Donna decided to replace the fruit orchards with vitis vinifera grapevines. “The orchard is too much work’, Donna explained to me in an interview. “And a vineyard is easier?” I did not dare say aloud!

Now as grape farmers, David & Donna spent many years buying, processing & reselling grapes to the neighbouring wineries – many who are now considered the pioneers of the Ontario wine industry. Transforming the grape growing into a winery – Lailey Vineyard - was sealed with the granting of a winery license, followed by Derek Barnett joining them in 2000 as winemaker. And with Derek came along his wife Judith as a business partner. Derek’s talents were quickly recognized by the industry with the title of ‘Winemaker of the Year’ at the annual Ontario Wine Awards. This is quite a coup for any winemaker, especially interesting as Derek is a son of a brew master in England!

When you ask David about his wines, he still maintains that, “Our wines express the natural characteristics of the grape varietal and the vineyard they come from.” Over the years. the Lailey estate has grown in size while their wines have grown an outstanding reputation. With every year that the vineyard matures, the quality of the grapes improves and so does the wine. You are in for a treat as many of the Lailey vines are close to 30 years old. The richness & complexity of these wines can be tasted with one sip. And interesting to compare to last month’s Savvy Selections featured winery – DiProfio Estate – which just opened last summer and their vineyards are less than 10 years old.

A ‘must visit’ on your next trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake

The team at Lailey always has something going on at the winery. Their annual Barrel Burning BBQ on July 6^th features an afternoon of sausages roasted over “de-commissioned” oak barrels enjoyed with newly released Lailey wines of course! And for dessert ... S’mores! Click here to buy advance tickets or phone the winery at (905) 468-0503. This is just one of the many fun activities hosted by Lailey at the winery.

In your Savvy Selections, you will find:

Sauvignon Blanc VQA 2012 – zippy & fresh New World style ‘Sauv Blanc’ without being over-the-top
Canadian Oak Chardonnay VQA 2011 – a rare white wine that is uniquely aged in barrels from native Canadian oak offers enticing aromas of buttered popcorn & tropical fruit – a Lailey signature!
Cabernet Sauvignon VQA 2010 – this unfiltered beauty with loads of mouth-coating dark berry fruit tastes that you can enjoy now or to hide in your cellar

OPTIONAL WINE: Lailey makes a gorgeous Canadian Oak Meritage VQA 2010 - a blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon. If you asked me to add a bottle or two of this multi award winning wine… you are in for a treat!

Similar to other wineries we have featured in Savvy Selections, a small selection of Lailey wines are available at the LCBO. If you would like additional bottles of your new favourite – or other featured Ontario wineries - just give me a call on 613-SAVVYCO (728-8926) or send me an email to debbie@savvycompany.ca to arrange an additional delivery for you. It is always my pleasure to introduce you to wonderful new Ontario wines!

Cheers & Enjoy!

Debbie & Savvy Team

Introducing…Lailey Vineyard

Presented by Sommelier Éva Nagy

For over 40 years, David & Donna Lailey have farmed the land, converting the Lailey family fruit farm into a flourishing vineyard & grape growing business. Donna with her ‘roll up her sleeves’ approach to building the business, was a founding member of the Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) and in 1991 was named the very first “Grape Queen” – a highly sought after annual award designated by the Grape Growers of Ontario for the most impressive & well-maintained vineyard in Niagara – chosen by her peers. The family success lies in the vines telling them what needs to be done to them. With great care, everything is done by hand from grape to glass.

The main man behind the winery - Derek Barnett

Derek (left) began his winemaking career at Southbrook Vineyards originally located north of Toronto. During visits to Niagara-on-the-Lake, he was attracted to Lailey Vineyard when he saw small parcels of mature vines with potential to be a high quality production facility. Remember 20 years ago, there were not numerous wineries in Niagara as is the case today! Derek boasts that the success of the winery attributes to the wonderful location of the vineyard & the Lailey family’s commitment to grow only quality fruit. The estate is comprised of seventeen grape varieties and in the winery cellar Derek says he is always experimenting “with two barrels of this & that to keep things fun!”

With 22 years (and counting) in the industry as winemaker, Derek has a deep affinity for the growing Canadian wine industry. He appreciates how wonderful it is having a job you like to do. “Making wine & going out to meet the people who like wine gets me out of bed each morning.”

“The excitement of the growth of the Canadian wine industry generated within by the winemakers is now getting out to the consumers, wine reviewers and even the energy is seen on the retail store shelves”. In the last 10 years, a new generation of wine drinkers has helped proliferate the international message – that Canada makes impressive wines. Coupled with the grass root movement supporting local food & wine, social media is engaging more people to view Ontario & Canada as a wine & culinary destination. The bottom line beams Derek, “We have awesome wine! VQA & the Canadian wine industry is on its way up.” You heard it here first!

A fun bunch – and we’re not talking grapes!

The folks at Lailey are fun & passionate about their winery & wines. Quick to show you around, anyone jumps in to do a hands-on tour led – including Derek or the resident sommelier. In the tasting room, it is all about the wine; no trinkets nor t-shirts nor glassware for sale, as they do not want the Lailey team or the visitors to lose focus on the wine.

Considered “old school”, they do not interfere in their winemaking approach. Derek is hands-off, listening to what the wine wants to do. Romantic as it may sound, Derek maintains a hands-off approach, “I bottle wines when they are ready to be bottled”.

Favorites – vintages, wines & harvest

Which wines does Derek enjoy making? Well that changes every year. Currently, he has a passion for barrel-fermented Chardonnay, “Niagara’s white wine grape” as he calls it. Other varietals that intrigue & inspire him are German Riesling with its bright aromatics, Northern Rhone style Syrah & Ontario varietals too.

Favorite times of year? Derek has 2 favorite periods during the grape-growing season: The green tinge of spring signifies another year of winemaking. Harvest provides the next bottle of wine that he is going to produce. If he has to choose his favorite time of the year, “Harvest!”, he exclaims.

Winemaking for 13 years at Lailey has led to many awards. Derek is proud of the “stunning” 2007 Syrah and 2002 limited edition Chardonnay: “It was hard to top”. 2012 is a well-balanced vintage, comparing closely to 2002, one of his favourite vintages for good growing.

Derek mentions that there is no one particular ‘proudest moment’ –there are too many! Chardonnay excites him, as he describes it as “stunning”. Syrah, Cabernet Franc & Pinot Noir are great personal challenges too.

A Curious Mind

All of these proud moments led to the creation of Curious Mind label: one-offs available only to loyal Lailey customers. Derek explains that these wines are his ‘toy box’ – he experiments using the any of 17 grape varieties and 9 different barrel brands to play & create very interesting curiosities. These limited edition wines are an absolute steal at $20 - made to order, numbered & signed too. Are you curious to try these wines? Call us to arrange a special shipment.

Cheers & enjoy your Savvy Selections!

~ SAVVY SOMMELIER TASTING NOTES ~

Sauvignon Blanc VQA 2012 $20.00

terestingly the history of Sauvignon Blanc is rooted in the ‘Old World” wine region of Bordeaux, France. Today though, it is planted around the world – New World & Old World, resulting in crisp, dry & refreshing white wine. Commonly referred to as ‘Sauv Blanc’, is the main component of the famous French dessert wines of Sauternes & Barsac. Have you had these wines?

Savvy Sommelier Tasting Notes: Zippy aromas & flavours of citrus (think lime & white grapefruit), floral, distinct minerality with a zingy tart gooseberry taste that when Eva had a sip, she immediately mentions ‘Oh my, this reminds me of mother-in-law’s gooseberry pie’.

Reminiscent of a New World style Sauvignon Blanc without being over-the-top. Mint makes an appearance on the palate resulting in a fresh & cleansing long finish. Delicious!

Suggested Food Pairing: A classic pairing is with goat’s cheese/chêvre, asparagus & sushi. Give the Spanakopita recipe a try on the following pages.

Canadian Oak Chardonnay VQA 2011 $25.00

The vineyards feature some of the oldest plantings of Chardonnay in Ontario.

We are excited to include this wine as it has been a long favorite of Debbie’s to showcase at Savvy Events since the ‘what if’ story of making barrels with Canadian Oak has resulted in incredible wine. It is truly a Canadiana story…move over maple syrup!

The story goes... about 5 years ago, a handful of winemakers were ‘talking shop’ at a backyard BBQ. Conversation lead to wondering what a barrel made with native Canadian oak would do to their wines. After a lot of research, they found a cooper (barrel maker) in California who would make these one-of-a-kind barrels. Next step was to find native oak trees – luckily found in Brantford, Ontario. The wood staves were cut and shipped in hockey bags (brand new ones of course!). Their “what if moment” & hard work paid off when several Canadian Oak barrels arrived at the wineries. Today, there are fewer than 10 winemakers across Canada who barrel age some of their wines in this special oak…and now there is a cooper in Canada making the barrels. Derek is a big enthusiast with his Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meritage (an optional wine we offered) wines aged in Canadian oak and constantly receiving rave reviews.

Savvy Sommelier Tasting Notes: “This wine makes me think of buttered popcorn” suggested Eva. Golden straw colour with aromas of wildflower honey, tropical fruit (think coconut & sweet citrus) with some nuttiness – walnut perhaps?. Rich & round mouthfeel with flavours of lime, stone fruit & baking spice with minerality & a lengthy warm finish.

Suggested Food Pairing: Given the rich aromas & flavours of this Chardonnay try the Chicken & Farfalle with Creamy Walnut Sauce recipe that follows.

Cabernet Sauvignon VQA 2010 $30.00

Expect loads of ripe fruit from this award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon. (Bronze Medal at Canadian Wine Awards 2012 & Bronze Medal at the Intervin International Wine Awards 2012). This wine is unfiltered meaning that small particles may be found in the bottle, leaving the wine’s aromas & flavours intact. No need to be alarmed if you notice this when you serve the wine. It is completely natural

Savvy Sommelier Tasting Notes: Verging on opaque in colour, this Cabernet Sauvignon has amazing aromas of ripe fruit - plum, figs, dates, dark berries – along with red roses, cranberry, rhubarb & vanilla. Flavours of tart red cherry, berry & cassis layered with smoke, earth & tobacco. The balancing acidity keeps the tannins in check in this beautifully structured full-bodied red wine. The long finish begs for another sip. Don’t you agree?

Suggested Food Pairing: Fire up the BBQ! Enjoy with a big steak or, for a change, grilled Portobello Mushrooms.

Cellaring: Ready to drink now or cellar for 5-7 years.

OPTIONAL WINE: Canadian Oak Meritage VQA 2010$40.00

For all of you big red wine lovers – we did not want you to miss this special treat!

Meritage is the wine name that winemakers outside of France use to call their wines made in the French Bordeaux style. This is a blend of the best from the highly acclaimed 2010 vintage. It’s a big juicy red wine made with 45% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Franc, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon – all from the Lailey estate.

Savvy Sommelier Tasting Notes: This is a big, bold, almost black coloured wine has aromas of molasses, tar, tobacco, smoke & blueberry with something that smells like “Chinese Five Spice mix”, says Debbie. Beefy with big tannins that will continue to mellow, the flavours of coffee, cocoa & black pepper with an incredible long finish.

Cellaring: Enjoy now or put away in your cellar to mellow for a few more years (5 to 7 years max).

~ RECIPES TO ENJOY WITH YOUR SAVVY SELECTIONS ~

With Lailey Sauvignon Blanc VQA 2012 …

Spanakopita

From Chef in You
Serves 4

Ingredients

3 bunches of fresh spinach (about 2 lbs)
1 onion, chopped finely
6-8 spring onions (scallions), chopped
5 oz feta cheese, crumbled
3 oz ricotta cheese
1/3 cup freshly grated vegetarian parmesan
1 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 generous pinch of nutmeg
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped (cilantro works well too)
12 sheets of phyllo pastry, thawed
3-4 Tbsp of unsalted butter, melted + some olive oil (or more if required)

Method

Trim the stems of spinach & clean them well in cold water. Filling the kitchen sink with lots of water and then submerging & rinsing the spinach works well in cleaning out the mud and debris. Drain. Roughly chop & place in a steamer. Steam for 5-8 minutes or until the leaves are wilted. Drain. Squeeze out the excess water from the spinach. This step is extremely important to avoid a soggy filling. Set aside.
Take a skillet and heat 1 tsp of olive oil & sauté the onion until tender. Add the spring onions & cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat & add the spinach, herbs, cheeses & nutmeg. Season with salt & pepper (if required). You can taste it to see if it does not have enough salt from the feta cheese.
Preheat the Oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the 3 sheets of phyllo at a time (keeping others covered to avoid drying out). Mix the butter & 2 tbsp olive oil in a small bowl. Brush each sheet with butter mixture & lay on top of another. Cut into equal thirds lengthwise.
Spoon a little filling on an angle at the end of the each strip. You don't want to be overzealous here with the portion since it will slip out later. Fold the pastry over to enclose the filling to form a triangle. Now take it upwards to form another triangle.
Repeat this process until you reach the end. You will have a small strip at the end which you can grease with little butter mixture & stick to the pastry. Brush the top lightly with butter mixture.
Grease two baking sheets. Bake the triangles for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.

With Lailey Canadian Oak Chardonnay VQA 2011 …

Chicken & Farfalle with Creamy Walnut Sauce

From Eating Well
Serves 2

Ingredients

1/3 cup walnuts
1 small clove garlic, peeled
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1/4 cup reduced-sodiumchicken broth
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon walnut oil, or extra-virgin olive oil
8 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast, trimmed of fat, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
4 ounces whole-wheat farfalle pasta
1 cup small broccoli florets
1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips

Method

Put a large saucepan of water on to boil. Combine walnuts, garlic, salt, pepper & cayenne in a blender; pulse until finely chopped. Blend in broth, parsley & lemon juice until smooth & creamy.
Heat oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken & cook, stirring often, until it is no longer pink in the middle, 3 to 5 minutes.
Cook pasta for 5 minutes. Add broccoli & bell pepper, cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta & vegetables are just tender, about 4 minutes more. Drain, return to the pot.
Add the walnut sauce & chicken, then toss to coat.

With Lailey Cabernet Sauvignon VQA 2010…

Grilled Portobello Mushrooms

From allrecipes.com
Serves 4 to 6 – depending on the size of meat

Ingredients

3 portobello mushrooms
1/4 cup canola oil
3 tablespoons chopped onion
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Method

Clean mushrooms and remove stems, reserve for other use. Place caps on a plate with the gills up.
In a small bowl, combine the oil, onion, garlic and vinegar. Pour mixture evenly over the mushroom caps and let stand for 1 hour.
Grill over hot grill for 10 minutes. Serve immediately.

Enjoy your Savvy Selections!

Tags: Accredited Sommelier Eva Nagy, allrecipes.com, Barrel Burning BBQ, Chef in You, Derek Barnett, Di Profio Wines, great wines from Niagara-on-the-Lake, Lailey Vineyard, Lailey Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Lailey Vineyard Canadian Oak Meritage 2010, Lailey Vineyard Chardonnay 2011, Lailey Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Ontario Wine Awards, recipe for Chicken & Farfalle, recipe for Grilled Portobello Mushrooms, recipe for Spanakopita, red wine, rose wine, Savvy Company, Savvy Company wine of the month club, Savvy experiences with wine, Savvy eZine, Savvy Selections, Savvy Team, Southbrook Vineyards, The Eating Well Cookbook, VQA Ontario wines, white wine
Posted in e-Zine for Savvy Selections wine of the month club | No Comments »

Raise a glass – Mondavi celebrates 100 years!

Posted by Susan

Tuesday, June 18th, 2013

As a part of its centenary celebration, and recognizing the life and work of its founder, the Robert Mondavi Winery hosted a luncheon and tasting at the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa. I was delighted to be part of this special event to mark the major milestone. The afternoon's wine tasting was led by Mark de Vere, Mondavi's Director and Master of Wine, who moved to Napa Valley California from the U.K. shortly after completing his WSET and Master of Wine certification.

The talented Chef Louis Simard of the Château Laurier created an innovative, intricate series of dishes featuring local produce and expertly paired with each wine:

Asparagus Salad with charred tomato, home-made ricotta, pickled egg, basil-mint vinaigrette
Smoked Salmon Rillette with grilled baguette on a bed of baby arugula
Duck Confit with Ermite blue cheese, brioche crostini, sherry-rhubarb reduction
Cardamom-Mushroom, Rubbed Lamb Sirloin & Aged Striploin graced with lima bean cassoulet, red wine jus
Blueberry Goat Cheese Cake

Why not test out the menu yourself with these Mondavi wines - all available at the LCBO.

Considered as one of Robert Mondavi’s signature wines - Napa Valley Fumé Blanc (LCBO #221887, $22.95) - was first released in 1968 as an endeavour by Mr. Mondavi to redefine California Sauvignon Blanc from a sweet, unnuanced wine to one endowed with a rich, round texture complemented by a lively, fresh texture. The 2010 vintage served at the tasting certainly hit the mark, displaying beautiful aromas of tropical fruits, lime, a whiff of honeyed floral notes and a touch of nutty toast. The first sip brought out the concentrated fruit and round texture, while the crisp acidity ensured a juicy, finely balanced finish.

The wine continued to evolve in the glass, showcasing tantalizing aromas of crème brulée. The Fumé Blanc was followed by the 2010 Napa Valley Chardonnay (LCBO #310409, $25.95), a fruit-focused wine with attractive aromas of orchard fruit, pineapple and vanilla. Dry, bright and smooth, the wine again featured that fine balance of ripe fruit, well-integrated oak and fresh acidity, finishing with a touch of warmth and candied citrus.

The spotlight turned to the red wines featuring the Carneros Pinot Noir 2011 (LCBO #438697 $34.95), vinified to accent the ripe berry fruit, picked early to retain its freshness, then aged 10 months in French oak. Showcasing luscious cherry/berry fruit aromas, notes of smoke and spice, this is a warm, fleshy Pinot Noir, where the intensely flavoured ripe fruit is again balanced with lively acidity. Dry and spicy, it finishes with a touch of peppery warmth.

The 2010 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (LCBO #255513, $34.95, available to June 23 for $31.95) is inky purple and tantalizingly rich, offering complex aromas of dark fruit, vanilla, licorice, spiced chocolate and a hint of herbs. Blended with a touch of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, Mark described it as a ‘classic Napa Valley Cab’, a well-balanced dry wine with perceptible tannins framing tasty black fruit, replaying the notes of herb and licorice on a finish that offers a whisper of well-integrated oak.

The third red wine was the Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (the 2008 is available in the LCBO, 670463, $144.95), produced from fruit harvested from the To Kalon Vineyard. Designed for aging yet absolutely fabulous now, this is a deep, powerful wine characterized by plush, ripe black fruit, supple yet well-structured tannins, clean acidity and lovely nuances of spicy floral notes, chocolate, dried herbs and spiced vanilla. A rich, lush, harmonious wine.

The tasting closed with the Robert Mondavi Winery’s Moscato d’Oro 2009 (LCBO #687392, $17.95, currently available for $14.90), a wine with the winery’s classic intensity and depth of flavour, beautifully fragrant and crisp, Lovely notes of natural grape juice, fruit salad and honeyed peach are lifted by a gentle touch of spritz. Simply delightful!

Here's to 100 years of Mondavi wines...and many more to come.

Cheers!

-Susan

Tags: Accredited Sommelier Susan Desjardins, buying wines at the LCBO, Chef Louis Simard, Fairmont Chateau Laurier, LCBO Vintages, Mark de Vere, red wine, Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon, Robert Mondavi Fumé Blanc, Robert Mondavi Moscato d'Oro, Robert Mondavi Winery, Savvy Company, Sommelier wine recommendations, top wines from Robert Mondavi, white wine, Wine & Spirit Education Trust, wine shopping list, wine tips from a Sommelier, WSET
Posted in Discovering wines from Napa California, Savvy Sommeliers wine tips | No Comments »

NEW! Savvy Sip & Shop – order your favorite Ontario wines online

Posted by Debbie

Monday, June 3rd, 2013

Introducing Savvy Sip & Shop. With this new service you can now order ANY wines that we have featured at recent events we have hosted or have sponsored. Mix & match ANY bottles of your favorite Ontario wines and they will be delivered to your home or office...within a week! When you order 12 bottles or more, shipping is FREE.

It is that easy to shop for Ontario wines!

Order Niagara-on-the-Lake wines featured at One Unforgettable Taste & Buy

Order Prince Edward County wines, ciders & craft beers featured at The Great Canadian Cheese Festival

Never ordered wines online? No problem. Our Savvy Team of Sommeliers is ready to help you & give you wine recommendations. Call us anytime on 613-SAVVYCO (728-8926).

Tags: award winning Ontario wines, buying VQA wines, buying wine, Niagara-on-the-Lake wines, ordering cider made in Ontario, ordering Ontario craft beer, ordering Ontario wines online, ordering wine online, Prince Edward County wines, red wine, rose wine, Savvy Company, Savvy Sip & Shop, Sparkling Wine, the Great Canadian Cheese Festival, white wine, wines delivered in a week, wines not available at LCBO
Posted in Events we've hosted, Wine industry news | No Comments »

Order the best wines from Niagara-on-the-Lake

Posted by Debbie

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013

Another SOLD OUT Savvy Event!

Back by popular demand, One Unforgettable Taste & Buy provided the opportunity for guests to order any combination of their favorite wines. The featured wines are not available at the LCBO or Vintages. As an extra bonus, free shipping by courier will be offered for orders of 12 bottles or more. This is a perfect opportunity to stock up for summer entertaining.

Go to our Facebook page to see some photos of the event.

While the event is over for another year - don`t despair! Anyone can still order Niagara-on-the-Lake wines online using a new service we have created - Savvy Sip & Shop.

Click here order Niagara-on-the-Lake wines!

It is that easy to have your favorite Niagara-on-the-Lake wines delivered - within a week.

One Unforgettable Taste & Buy is about tasting, discovering & ordering …

Have a look below at the large selection of outstanding wines that will be uncorked to enjoy. None of these wines are available at the LCBO.

Exclusive at this event - You can order ANY combination of outstanding wines from ANY of the featured wineries & they will be delivered by courier to your home or office. Free shipping on all orders of 12 bottles or more! Now you can order your ANY of these wines online

Featured wineries & wines:

Between The Lines Estate Winery

2011 Gewürztraminer $14.95

2011 Cabernet Franc $15.95

Cattail Creek Estate Winery

2012 Simply Stainless Chardonnay Estate $16.95

2010 Pinot Noir Estate $18.95

Château des Charmes

2010 Chardonnay Musqué Estate Bottled $16.95

2010 Gamay "Droit" St. David's Bench $14.95

Coyote’s Run Estate Winery

2011 Red Paw Pinot Gris $17.95

2011 Red Paw Pinot Noir $19.95

Diamond Estates Winery

2012 Lakewiew Cellars Syrah Rosé Reserve $16.95

2010 Lakeview Cellars Baco Noir Reserve $19.95

Hinterbrook Winery

2011 Riesling $18.00

2011 Rosé $16.00

Inniskillin

2012 Discovery Series P3 $19.95

2011 Merlot Reserve $22.95

Jackson-Triggs Winery

2012 Grand Reserve Sauvignon Blanc $19.95

2010 Grand Reserve Shiraz $19.95

Joseph's Estate Wines

2010 Pinot Gris $13.95

2009 Baco Merlot $10.95

Konzelmann Estate Winery

2012 Cabernet Sauvignon $12.75

2012 Shiraz $12.75

Lailey Vineyard

2012 Chardonnay Unoaked $15.00

2011 Pinot Noir 3.7 $30.00

Niagara College Teaching Winery

2010 Dean’s List Chardonnay $27.95

Pinot Noir Balaance $18.95

Palatine Hills Estate Winery

2011 Riesling $12.85

2010 Cabernet Franc Neufeld Vineyard $19.95

Peller Estates

2012 Sauvignon Blanc Private Reserve $18.95

2011 Cabernet Franc Private Reserve $21.95

Pillitteri Estates Winery

2011 Chardonnay Barrel Fermented $15.00

2011 Dry Rosé $15.00

Pondview Estate Winery

2011 Riesling $16.00

2011 Chardonnay Barrel Fermented $25.00

Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery

2011 Chardonnay Estate $24.00

2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate $39.00

Reif Estate Winery

2012 Fortune Cabernet Rosé $12.95

2011 The Magician Pinot Noir/Shiraz $19.95

Riverview Cellars Winery

2012 Sauvignon Blanc $16.95

2011 Salvatores Malbec Reserve $29.95

Small Talk Vineyards

2011 Sauvignon Blanc $14.95

RSVP White Blend $14.95

Southbrook Vineyards

2012 Triomphe Chardonnay $21.95

2008 Triomphe Cabernet Merlot $23.95

Stratus Vineyards

2012 Wild Ass Rosé $19.95

2009 Tollgate Fumé Blanc $24.95

Strewn Winery

2012 Fumé Blanc Terroir $18.95

2011 Meritage Canadian Oak $18.95

Sunnybrook Farm Estate Winery

Burgundy Plum $23.95

Chocolate Embrace (375 mL) $24.95

Trius Winery at Hillebrand

2012 Riesling Ghost Creek Vineyard $25.00

2012 Trius Rosé $15.75

One Unforgettable Taste & Buy - details

DATE: Tuesday May 28, 2013
EVENT STARTS: 7pm
EVENT ENDS: 9pm
LOCATION: The NEW Agriculture & Food Museum, 361 Prince of Wales Drive, located on the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa

Buy your tickets >>

Can't make it but want to order wines?

No problem! Simply call our Savvy Team on 613-SAVVYCO (613-728-8926) to make the arrangements for you. Place your order before June 1^st and you can take advantage of the free shipping offer on a case of wine.

We look forward to seeing you at One Unforgettable Taste & Buy.
Everyone is welcome to join us!

Contact Savvy Company for more information about other Savvy Events
www.savvycompany.ca
613.SAVVYCO
613.728.8926
Cheers!

Tags: Agriculture and Food Museum, Between the Lines Winery, buy Ontario wines, buy wines, Cattail Creek Estate Winery, Chateau des Charmes, Colaneri Estate Winery, Coyote's Run Estate Winery, Debbie Trenholm Accredited Sommelier, Diamond Estates Winery, Hinterbrook Winery, Jackson Triggs Winery, Joseph's Estate Wines, Konzelmann Estate Winery, Lailey Vineyards, Marynissen Estates Winery, Niagara College Teaching Winery, Niagara-on-the-Lake wines, One Unforgettable Taste & Buy, Ontario wines not at the LCBO, order wines online, Palatine Hills Estate Winery, Peller Estates, Pilliteri Estates Winery, Pondview Estate Winery, Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery, red wine, Reif Estate Winery, Riverview Cellars Winery, Savvy Company, Small Talk Vineyards, Southbrook Vineyards, Stratus Wines, Strewn Winery, Sunnybrook Farm Estate Winery, Trius Winery at Hillebrand, white wine, wines from Niagara-on-the-Lake
Posted in Events we've hosted | No Comments »

Reminder: you need to pick up a Mother’s Day gift!

Posted by Julie

Thursday, May 9th, 2013

In most parts of the world, the second Sunday in May is celebrated as an opportunity to express joy and gratitude to our Mothers. So it is timely that this release at the LCBO Vintages will WOW some mothers out there. While flowers, chocolates and cards are popular gifts to symbolize one’s love and appreciation; I can’t imagine anything nicer than sharing a lovely bottle of wine with my Mom.

Which ones to pick? Here's my shopping list!

There are many new Rosés in this release and considering that I am the 'Rosé Queen', I‘d like to take more than 3 home. Like sparkling wine, Rosé makes a fabulous appertif and a great sipper on its own. Many are at a popular price point (under $17) so you might want to try a couple of different bottles to see which one could become a spring-summer favourite. Tawse Winery Rosé, a perennial favourite, is also back on the shelf, but I want to expand my Rosé palate.

In this release there is also a fantastic array of Australian reds. One wine I wrote about last year when it made its debut, “Ladies Who Shoot their Lunch Shiraz 2010”, now returns with a Gold Medal from the 2013 Sydney International Wine Competition on its label. At $35.95 it is truly worth the splurge for this big bold beauty. The label itself of a woman with a hunting rifle and her dog is a great conversation piece. The wine is polished and memorable.

Finally, for those of you who like Chardonnay, this is your time to shine. It was difficult to not fill my shopping list with ONLY Chards. For my $100 budget, it is still the number one best selling grape and whether you like a big buttery taste or a unoaked one, this release offers something for everyone.

Enjoy, cheers...and Happy Mother's Day!

Julie

Domaine d'Orfeuilles Brut Vouvray

AC, Méthode Traditionnelle du Val de Loire, France
$18.95 (Vintaages #319954) 12.5% alcohol

Hands down, my #1 pick! An elegant slightly pale pink tinge to this bubbly wine, it is sure to impress. Beautiful mousse (winespeak: fine bubbles) delicious creamy texture with tastes of apricots, peaches, orchard fruit, bone dry with a long fruity finish. It is an absolute beauty to have for a luncheon or before dinner or just on its own. Although I frequently write and rave about sparkling wine, this one was over the top and is on my agenda to pick up a couple of bottles. I would pair this with just about anything - sheer yum.

Greenlane Estate Unoaked Chardonnay 2011

VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula
$17.95 (Vintages #329409) 12.5 % alcohol

This is the first Chardonnay I have sampled from the Lincoln Lakeshore area and for the price point, it is fantastic - so much going on from the intial sip. First, it’s fresh; dry and because it is unoaked there is no butter taste or cloying mouthfeel. Lots of tree fruit, green apples, peaches with an underlining seam of minerality that one often associates with a Niagara Riesling. Very mouthcoating and medium bodied with a delectable fruit finish. This Chard would be great with summer salads and grilled chicken or fish. It’s a very versatile food wine.

13th Street Pink Palette Rosé 2012

VQA Niagara Peninsula
$14.95 (Vintages #275834) 12.5% alcohol

A beautiful pale pink colour with aromas of fresh spring air and raspberries. It is light-bodied, slightly off-dry with vibrant strawberry flavours; clean crisp acidity that coat the palate with just a hint of rhubarb. For some reason, this rosé reminded me of the red fruit pies that come from the bakery located next to the winery, but I know that is my vivid imagination and there could not possibly be any connection, or could there?

Chateau Tananda Grand Barossa Shiraz 2010

Barossa, South Australia
$22.95 (Vintages #311365) 14.5% alcohol

A deep purple, aromas of gorgeous dark fruit, mouth-coating and full bodied with layers of plums and black currant, blueberry flavours and a touch of sweet spice on the long finish.

Bone dry, soft tannins but how sweet it is! With a rack of lamb, this would be fabulous.

San Polo Auka Torrontes 2012

La Consulta, Mendoza, Argentina
$13.95 (Vintages#322842) 13.5%

Don’t let the price fool you; this is a great new wine at Vintages. Soft white in colour, very aromatic floral notes with an energetic and fresh lemony taste. It has lots of zingy acidity but it’s not over the top and offers a fairly hefty weight for a fruity crisp wine with a mouth-watering finish. It would be great with any seafood or salad, or just sitting on your patio.

Grand Total: $ 88.75

What to buy with the $11.25 in change?

I have enough for a bottle of one of my favourite general list products, Cono Sur Viognier from Chile $9.95 - one of the best kept secrets in the LCBO. And I still have a toonie left over!

Tags: 13th Street Pink Palatte Rosé, Chardonnay, Chateau Tananda, Domaine D`Orfeuilles Brut Vouvray, Fowles Wine, gift ideas for Mothers' Day, gift of wine, Greenlane Estate Winery, If I had $100 I would buy at Vintages, Julie Stock Accredited Sommelier Savvy Company, LCBO Vintages, red wine, Rose wines, San Polo Auka Torrontés, Savvy Company, shopping for Mother's Day, Sparkling Wine, Sydney International Wine Competition, Tawse Winery, white wine, wine suggestions for Mothers' Day, wines your mother would like
Posted in If I only had $100...I would buy at LCBO Vintages | No Comments »

A warm County welcome at Karlo Estates

Posted by Debbie

Monday, April 29th, 2013

Savvy Selections wine of the month club
Featuring Karlo Estates
- April 2013 -

The month of April has been all about Prince Edward County for us at Savvy Company. We are delighted to be hosting the 2nd annual County in the City wine tasting showcasing a number of County's winemakers and their latest wines. In addition to this Taste and Buy event, in this month's Savvy Selections, we are shining the spotlight on the rapidly growing County winery: Karlo Estates.

In your Savvy Selections, you will find:

Pinot Gris VQA 2012 – you are the first to enjoy this wine as it was bottled just in time to be included in Savvy Selections.
Cabernet Franc VQA 2011 – Christen your 1^st BBQ of the season by uncorking this red wine.
Quintus VQA 2010 – a unique blend of five Old World grape varietals; Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec & Petit Verdot. This can be cellared for 5+ years.

OPTIONAL WINES: Karlo makes The County’s only port wines. If you requested a bottle or two of the VanAlstine Red or White port in your delivery…you’re in for a treat!

During the harvest last year, we were hired by a corporate client to organize a day tour of The County. Many of the Sommeliers in our Savvy Team have visited ‘The County’, so, I invited our Marketing Co-ordinator Amanda Jackson to join me on this day trip as she hadn't visited yet. Enthusiastic & enchanted by the place & the people we visited, I also invited Amanda to write this month's Savvy eZine with me.

On the following pages, Amanda gives you her first impressions of The County & of her visit to Karlo Estates. You will find my sommelier tasting notes along with recipes from my kitchen that would pair with the featured wines.

Cheers & Enjoy!

Debbie & Savvy Team

Karlo Estates Winery Presented by Amanda Jackson

Rarely a day goes by at the Savvy Company office without someone mentioning Prince Edward County…or 'The County' as it is also fondly known. This rapidly growing wine region is flourishing with many family run & boutique wineries. Due to the small supply of wines made (at the moment!), it is not common to find County wines in the LCBO,unless you come to our Savvy Events or occasionally you might see them on a restaurant wine list. Personally, I have not tasted many County wines so when Debbie invited me to join her on a private tour, I jumped at the chance – I like meeting new people and tasting new wines, so this was a real day out for me!

My first impression of The County

I was AMAZED. Starting with the brief & beautiful ferry ride across the Bay, driving along the main streets of the quaint town of Picton, enjoying the scenic countryside , meeting the down-to-earth winemakers who welcomed us at each stop....and of course the impressive wines.

Karlo Estates was the last winery we visited during our action-packed tour. Debbie often talks about Karlo Estates and now I understand why it's on her 'must visit’ list when clients ask her for trip tips.

"Watch out, Richard's laugh is infectious! You will hear him before you see him." Debbie described the larger-than-life and genuine character of none other than winery owner and winemaker Richard Karlo.

This wine maker started young

Richard grew up making wine - literally. He began at the young age of 8 watching his father make wine at home. Fast forward many years, Rich joined the Amateur Winemakers of Ontario (AWO) knowing far too well that crafting wine would become more than just a hobby. While the group is called “Amateur” they are really anything but. The AWO is where like-minded winemakers get together to learn new techniques from one another & exchange ideas about the winemaking process. And Richard did not stop there. He has gone on to achieve the designation of Master Winemaker - his father must have been proud.

...and became a wine achiever!

During our visit, I learned that Richard has been winning awards for his wines long before he had his own winery. He turned heads when his first release of the 2008 Van Alstine Port was named by Master Sommelier John Szabo as one of the “Top 10 Cutting Edge Wines of the World”. What an honour! If you had requested a bottle of this port to be included in this month`s delivery – enjoy this world class wine. It is a favorite in my home and I make a point of recommending it to my friends who enjoy port And Richard is winning awards for his business too. While we were on the tour, he was excited to share his most recent news: he was just named a 2012 finalist of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Obviously Karlo Estates Winery is one to watch on many levels!

The pride that everyone involved in the winery has for their wines, as well as their growing business is evident. The large red barn, dating to the Loyalist settlement in the early 1900s, has wine barrels tucked into every corner. The warm lighting in the barn was inviting, and made me feel more like going into someone’s living room because the ambiance that Richard and his partner Sherry Martin made us feel so welcome to be in this beautifully preserved barn that they have lovingly revitalized over the years. "We intentionally left the barn rustic because we didn’t want to change the character and charm of the building", Sherry explained as she lead our group up to the second floor into her art studio that doubles as a private tasting bar.

Tasting our way through the Karlo wine list

As we sipped & enjoyed each and every one of the wines on Karlo's wine list (all eight of them!), Sherry had a personal story for each wine as well as offering us tips of her never fail wine appreciation how to's using our Eyes, Nose and Mouth.

My first wine tour of The County including our lovely afternoon spent visiting Karlo Estates was definitely a memorable one – and soon to be repeated!. I couldn’t wait to share stories with friends & family and others in the Savvy Team of allf the new discoveries we had made that day. I am confident that you too will enjoy your Karlo wines that Debbie and our Sommeliers selected for you. I highly recommend you visit Karlo Estates on your next getaway to The County.

An accomplished winemaker and bridge builder

When you visit Karlo, be sure to take a walk to the middle of the vineyard to admire the bridge that arches over the creek running between two vineyards. This bridge was a 'weekend project' hand built by Rich, stonemasons & friends in 2007. And as if one project was not enough, they also built the stone wall around the heritage barn using pieces of limestone from the property. Both were constructed using a technique known as dry stone construction – hand built by fitting stones together - no mortar (or glue) is used. This is the connection to the keystone with the 'K' on the top of each cork & on the wine label.

Cheers & enjoy your Savvy Selections!

~ SAVVY SOMMELIER TASTING NOTES ~

Pinot Gris VQA 2011, $21.00

This wine is not even available yet at the winery! Bottled just in time to be included in your Savvy Selections, this is a delicious spring time sipping wine. If you see a light copper hue to the wine, don`t be alarmed as more winemakers are crafting Pinot Gris leaving them on their skins for a bit longer than typical for making white wine.

Fully ripened Pinot Gris grapes have a bronze like colour to them, so winemakers sometimes leave the juice in contact with the skins for longer than usual white wine making techniques to extract a warm hued colour that adds to the character of the wine. Taking this approach, you find Pinot Gris from clear pale white to those that will remind with a salmon colour of a Rosé wine. Either way it comes in the glass you will enjoy the crisp, dry & refreshing taste.

Savvy Sommelier Tasting Notes: Refreshing aromas of crunchy apple (or perhaps it is apple sauce?), fresh juicy pear with a warmth of nutmeg. With each sip, the apple & pear continues with honey, bees wax & a nice acidity in the texture that gives it a zip in the finish. And that finish doesn`t go away! It lingers forever.

Suggested Food Pairing: As mentioned before, this is a great sipping wine & can be enjoyed on its own after being chilled for 30 minutes in the fridge. Serve with hors d'oeuvres, pork chops or the Pistachio Crusted Sea Scallops – recipe follows.

Cabernet Franc VQA 2011 $24.00

From the outstanding 2010 vintage, this wine will not disappoint. Rich shows his talent in this wine as it is delicious & extremely well crafted. Enjoy!

Savvy Sommelier Tasting Notes: 'This wine makes me hungry', Savvy Sommelier Debbie declared as she swirls & sips this Cabernet Franc. Plush aromas of dark plums, warm spices & wood that carries into the taste adding in dark chocolate, ripe juicy cherry with some roasted red pepper. There are subtle tannins that will fall into the background as soon as you introduce food – especially grilled meats hot off the BBQ. This is a well balanced medium bodied wine with a long finish that begs you to have another sip…and another…and another.

Suggested Food Pairing: Winter is behind us, it is time to fire up the BBQ and grill everything under the sun! Debbie offers her Coffee Steak Rub recipe to kick start your BBQ season. Yes…coffee! Double the recipe & keep in a jar in the fridge for anytime you fire up the BBQ.

Cellaring: This wine is ready to be enjoyed now or will continue to soften if you lay down in your cellar for 2 to 3 more years. But why wait?

Quintus VQA 2010 $35.00

Ready for something BIG? Made with grapes that Rich sources from vineyards throughout the province (this is why it states VQA Ontario on the label), this is a unique blend of grapes from the impressive 2010 vintage. This is a blend of 40% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 15% Petit Verdot and 10% Malbec. This wine has the staying power to last in your cellar for many years to come.

Savvy Sommelier Tasting Notes: Everything about this wine in black – ink in colour then continues into the heavy aromas of black fruit (think dried figs, prunes, dates) with tastes of fresh earth (the smell of turning over the soil in your garden in the spring), freshly ground black pepper, Austrian black licorice with a punch of blackberry cassis. Full bodied with good tannins and a long deep & warm finish. Gorgeous! A real treat to drink.

Suggested Food Pairing: Bring on the beef! Prime rib or roast beef with all of the trimmings.

Decanting & Cellaring: Recommend to decant for 2 hours before serving. Drinks well now & it will also cellar 4-6 years.

~ RECIPES TO ENJOY WITH YOUR SAVVY SELECTIONS ~

With Karlo Estates Pinot Gris VQA 2011…

Pistachio Crusted Sea Scallops

From the kitchen of Savvy Sommelier Debbie
Serves 4

Ingredients

8 Large Sea Scallops (size U-10)

200g unsalted pistachios, shelled and lightly toasted

150g fresh bread crumbs

4 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped fine

1 lemon, juiced

75 ml grainy mustard

75 ml sour cream

Ground black pepper, to taste

Sea salt - to taste

100ml Canola oil

Method

Preheat oven to 375 F
Place chilled scallops on a paper towel for 2 minutes to absorb any surface liquid. Season liberally with salt and pepper and let sit for 10 minutes.
Blend toasted pistachios in a food processor until fine. Mix with bread crumbs and thyme and season with salt and pepper.
Coat pan with oil and heat until very hot. Sear scallops on one side until brown and crisp (2 minutes). Remove scallops from pan and place on parchment lined baking sheet, seared side up.
Mix sour cream, mustard and lemon juice and spoon over each scallop.
Press the seared side into the bread mixture to form a crust. Bake for 2-3 minutes.
Serve as an entree or over a salad of spring greens.

With Karlo Estates Cabernet Franc VQA 2010…

Coffee Rub for BBQ steak

Savvy Sommelier Debbie first enjoyed this recipe at a backyard BBQ at Charlie Pillitteri (of Pillitteri Estates Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake). Think coffee on steak is strange? Think again! The coffee beans caramelized while BBQing, offering a rich earthy flavour that will be enhanced with this robust wine.

Ingredients

½ cup whole coffee beans

¼ cup black peppercorns

¼ cup Montreal Steak spice

Steaks – any type of cut – as you like them!

Method

With an electric coffee grinder, whiz coffee beans and peppercorns lightly. The result should be a coarse mixture.
In a bowl add ground mixture with Montreal Steak spice.This recipe can be doubled and stored in a jar or Ziploc container in the fridge.
When ready to BBQ, rub ample amount of mixture on both sides of steak.
Set aside for 20-30 minutes before putting on the grill.
Cook steak to your liking.Serve with grilled asparagus & other springtime vegetables.

With Karlo Estates Quintus VQA 2010…

Dijon Herbed Prime Rib

Farm Boy weekly recipes
Serves 4 to 6 – depending on the size of meat

Ingredients

1Tbsp Balsamic vinegar

1/4 tsp ground cloves

4 Tbsp grainy Dijon mustard

2 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped

2 Tbsp fresh rosemary leaves, chopped

Salt and pepper ,to taste

1 bone in rib roast (2.5KG/6LB)

6 medium garlic cloves, quartered lengthwise

Method

Pre-heat oven to 400 F
Make small incisions all over the roast.
Insert the garlic into the holes.
Place the roast in a roasting pan.
Mix the remaining ingredients into a paste and rub entire roast evenly.
Roast for 25 minutes then reduce heat to 350 F and continue cooking for about 1 and a 1/2 hours or until internal temperature reaches 135 F(for rare).
Transfer roast to a cutting board and allow to rest for 15 minutes before carving. Serve with your favorite mashed potatoes recipe or buttered beets!

With Karlo Estates VanAlstine Ports…

Hazelnut Torte

It is not often that we include a dessert recipe, yet both the Karlo Estates ports would be great with this nut & slightly sweet dessert.

From Debbie's kitchen – a perfect make ahead dessert that adds WOW factor to any dinner party
Serves 8 to 10
This recipe doubles well & cake layers can be frozen until needed.

Ingredients

Torte

4 eggs
¾ c white sugar
2 T flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
1 c hazelnuts

Mocha filling

2 T butter
½ t vanilla
1 c icing sugar
1 tsp cocoa – heck, put more in!
2 T strong hot coffee

'Icing'

325 mL container of 35% cream – whipped with a drizzle of Tia Maria (or white sugar) folded in at the end to lightly sweeten.

Method - Torte

In processor/blender whirl eggs & sugar until thoroughly mixed.
Add flour, baking powder and hazelnuts. Whirl away.
Don’t chop nuts up too fine.
Keep some chunky bits.
Pour into 2 well greased & floured layer pans (circular).
Bake at 350 for 20 mins.

Method – Filling & Finishing

Cream icing sugar & butter.
Add strong coffee, cocoa & vanilla.
Mix until smooth.
Spread between layers. (Lick beaters until absolutely clean that you don’t need to wash them!)
Cover top & sides with whipped cream. Decorate as you like

TIP: Best if cake is made a day ahead to allow flavours to mellow.

Debbie's tasting notes for the unique County made ports…

WHITE Van Alstine Port 2010 - A unique wine is a blend of Frontenac Blanc & Gewürztraminer grapes, this lightly sweet wine has aromas of fresh apricots, mandarin & flowers leap from the glass that continues through in the taste with a refreshing acidity combined with toasted nuts (hazelnut perhaps?). Serve slightly chilled with light & refreshing desserts such as fruit salad, lemon tart or pound cakes…or this torte!

RED Van Alstine Port 2009 - A delicious dark colour with concentrated aromas of black cherry, blackberry, dark fruit cake & warm spices that continue along with tastes of red liquorice & cedar. Aged in French & Hungarian oak barrels, this delicious port has a finish that warms you up with each sip. Bring on desserts with dark chocolate or enjoy with a plate of artisan cheeses & roasted nuts. This torte has just the right combination of nut and chocolate tastes without going overboard with sweetness. You might want to chill the port for 15 minutes in the fridge before serving. Notice how the taste changes as the port warms up.

Enjoy your Savvy Selections!

Tags: Amateur Winemakers of Ontario, Bay of Quinte, Debbie Trenholm Accredited Sommelier, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Farm Boy recipes, great wines from Prince Edward County, Hazelnut Torte, John Szabo, Karlo Cabernet Franc, Karlo Estates, Karlo Estates Cabernet Franc 2011, Karlo Estates Frontenac Gris Rosé, Karlo Estates Quintus 2010, Karlo Estates Winery, Karlo Frontenac Pinot Gris Rosé, LCBO, Picton, Pilliteri Estates, Pistachio Crusted Sea Scallops, Port wine, Prince Edward County, red port, red wine, Richard Karlo, Savvy Company Team, Savvy Selections, Sherry Martin, VanAlstine port, white port, white wine
Posted in e-Zine for Savvy Selections wine of the month club | No Comments »

Change of season – time to shop for different wines

Posted by Julie

Friday, April 26th, 2013

During my recent trip to Shanghai I tasted some “Great Wall” wines which really did not inspire me to climb the wall despite the fact that China is the fifth world’s wine producing country. I'm so glad to be back in Ottawa in time for signs of Spring which to me include all the great wines in the LCBO Vintages release on Saturday April 27.

Although we’re all ready for a change in temperature and switching lighter style wines, this release focuses on Italy's Veneto, Appassimento and organic wines all perfect for hearty pastas.

What are Veneto wines?

No need for translation here...however Apassimento style wine is an ancient wine technique where the grapes are laid out on straw mats to allow them to dry. Depending on humidity and temperature, the grapes shrivel and develop high sugar concentration levels. After being crushed they produce concentrated rich wines such as Amarone and desert ones like “vin santo”.

The real splurge...

Although I cannot fathom anyone tiring of ice or late harvest wine, for something different, this release offers a wonderful Italian desert wine and a myriad of really big reds for those who are biting to grill some meat. There are also some fabulous new white wines from our Niagara region.

The real splurge however, would be the Veuve Clicquot Pondsardin Vintage Rose Champagne 2004 at $97.95, oh the mousse in this is divine and it does comes with a gift box.

So all this to say, if you are planning a special lunch or dinner, this release offers quite a selection of new beverages to help dress up any occasion.

Spring Cheers,

Julie

The Good Earth the Good Wine Betty’s Blend 2011

VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
$17.95 (Vintages #327791) 11.6% alcohol

Winery owner Nicolette Novak isn’t kidding when she includes the word ‘good’ in the name of her winery – there’s nothing but good wine at Good Earth. This blend is pale in colour with aromas of white blossoms and a bit of wet stone. Deliciously delicate in taste with a lovely mix of tree fruits like apricot and a pinch of tart apple. It’s dry fresh and light and a wine that I would call a crowd pleaser - no one could not like this wine! It is a perfect afternoon drink on its own or with some soft cheese or light lunch.

La Cappuccina Soave 2012 (Organic)

DOC, Veneto, Italy
$14.95 (Vintages #081489) 12% alcohol

Perhaps it is because the grapes are grown at the site of an ancient chapel housed by Franciscan friars who, for over a century really knew how to grow grapes. The pale straw coloured wine is fresh and crisp with tastes of lemon-lime on the palate. It is clean tasting, fruity but bone dry & the wine is sulphur free with lively acidity. It’s a fabulous sipper or would be perfect with some shellfish or other seafood. I can practically imagine an Italian piazza, some brilliant sunshine, nibbles of grilled calamari and of course having a glass of this cool zesty delicious Soave.

EOS Estate Petite Sirah 2009

Paso Robles, California, U.S.A.
$19.95 (Vintages #317677) 13.9% alcohol

It is coincidental that on 5 April 2013, in Ottawa, I poured for the EOS Estate Winery at the California Wine Show. There were not many Petite Sirah’s at the show so this wine was a popular novelty. EOS, named after the Greek Goddess of dawn, is the largest winery on California’s Central Coast to run completely on alternative energy. Layered with dark fruits and a peppery pinch of coffee on the finish; a great sipper on its own or with a lamb/feta burger.

Chateau Haut-Plaisance 2010

Ac Montagne Saint Emilion, France
$17.00 (Vintages 326587) 15% alcohol

A rich garnet red Bordeaux blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabnert Franc - a classic full bodied Meritage. Heady aromas of ripe dark fruit and violets that follow through with a little leather and pepper on the medium long finish. It is positively mouthcoating and delcious with firm medium tannins that would match a prime rib any day. It also won Gold Medals at the Concours General Agricole de Paris and Concours des Grands Vins de France in 2012- need I say more?

Antolini Recioto Della Valpolicella Classico 2009 (Dessert Wine)

DOC, Italy
$28.95 (Vintages #135533) 13.5% alcohol

Valpolicella ranks just after Chianti in total Italian Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) wine production. This rich, luscious desert wine, made with Corvina and Rondinella grapes, derives part of its name (recioto) from ancient Greek dialect “recie” meaning ears. This refers to the lobes of a grape cluster that appear as “ears” becoming very ripe with direct sun exposure which in turn allows the natural sugars to concentrate. Following harvest, DOC Regulations dictate that Reciotos cannot be pressed before January 1. The grapes in this wine matured a year before bottling. Aromas and tastes of rich dark fruit, roasted almonds with chocolate overtones and spices reminiscent of Christmas cake. With a piece of dark chocolate or unsweetened chocolate cake, it would be heaven

Grand Total: $98.80

Tags: Amarone, Antolini Winery, apassimiento, California Wine Show 2013, Cappuccina Soave 2012, champagne, Chateau Haut-Plaisance, Concours Générale Agricol, DOC, EOS Estate Petite Sirah 2009, ice wine, If I had $100 I would buy at Vintages, Julie Stock Savvy Company Sommelier, La Cappuccina, late harvest wine, LCBO Vintages, Maison Veuve Cliquot, red wine, Savvy Company, shopping list of wine, Sparkling Wine, The Good Wine Betty's Blend, veneto, Vin santo, white wine, wine tips from a Sommelier, wines for Spring
Posted in If I only had $100...I would buy at LCBO Vintages | No Comments »

Portgual & New Zealand show off their vibrantly stylish wines

Posted by Susan

Thursday, April 11th, 2013

We’re well into Spring with the April 13 LCBO Vintages release, which features wines from New Zealand and Portugal. New Zealand’s southern hemisphere water-bound land mass offers a mid-latitude maritime environment particularly suited to the production of unique, quality wines. Not only is there diversity in the varieties cultivated—from the well-known Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, to Syrah and Viognier—but there is great regional diversity—from the established regions of Marlborough and Hawkes Bay, to the emerging Waitaki Valley.

New Zealand - commitment to sustainable winemaking

The New Zealand wine industry has made a firm commitment to innovative and sustainable viticultural and winemaking practices which they expect will reinforce their reputation for “vibrantly stylish wines”. In 2007, the New Zealand wine industry committed to having 100% of the country’s wine produced under approved independently audited sustainability standards by 2012. The industry shares practices in areas such as water usage, energy consumption, waste management and biodiversity.This Vintages release highlights New Zealand’s best-known wine regions, Marlborough and Hawkes Bay, showcasing classic Sauvignon Blanc, aromatic Pinot Gris, and clean unoaked Chardonnay, as well as elegant Pinot Noir and fruity, well-balanced Merlot.

Portugal - tradition integrated with state-of-the art viticulture

Portugal is best known for its famous Port wine, but the country also produces tangy, fresh white wines and concentrated flavourful red wines from a broad range of native grape varieties. The country has a long history of winemaking, dating back several millennia. Since joining the European Union the 1980s, Portugal has experienced substantial change and an increasing focus on quality in the wine industry. Now Portugal is integrating traditional with modern methods to produce wines of great character, yet modern in style. While most wine was previously produced by cooperatives, and much still is, many grape growers are now establishing their own wineries (quintas) and creating wines with their own unique style. This LCBO release provides the opportunity to try a classic Alvarinho Vino Verde, as well as several red wines, many of them including Touriga Nacional, such as Monte Vilar Reserva. Touriga Nacional is one of Portugal’s best-known red grapes, used in the production of red varietal wines, red wine blends and Port. There’s great value in these wines, with the majority priced under $20.

The general release offers some tasty Niagara wines such as: Fielding Estate Cabernet Franc and Reif ‘The Magician’ Shiraz/Pinot Noir, Viewpointe Estate Auxerrois and Featherstone Rosé, the latter two included in our selection. If you want to share a taste of a rich savoury Chilean red wine, try the Perez Cruz Cabernet Sauvignon in the 375ml format. Other full-flavoured red wines include Easton Zinfandel, Oyster Bay Merlot and Quinta de Ventozelo ‘Reserva’ Douro Tinto. There’s also great value in the fruit-forward Montepulciano and Sangiovese blend, deAngelis Rosso Piceno Superiore ($14.95) and the Rhône red blend, Le Cirque Grenache/Carignan/Mourvèdre/Syrah ($15.95). With all the great values on offer, we’re managed to include 6 wines for just under $100!

Cheers and Enjoy,

Susan

Kim Crawford 'East Coast' Unoaked Chardonnay 2012

Marlborough/Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
$18.95 (Vintages #991950) 13.0% alcohol

Straw hued and delightfully expressive with aromas of white flowers, citrus and ripe stone fruit, this is a clean, fresh white wine. Dry, with a racy backbone of keen acidity, it offers flavours of melon, green apple and tangy citrus, as well as a pithy note that persists on the lengthy, mouth-watering finish. Enjoy with your choice of seafood or lemon roast chicken.

Monte Vilar Reserva 2011

Alentejo, Portugal
$14.95 (Vintages #276105) 14.0% alcohol

An excellent value, this ruby/violet blend of native red grape varieties display remarkable complexity of aromas—vanilla, ripe fresh field berries, dried cherries, mineral and earth. Dry, medium-full bodied, the concentrated dark berry fruit is garnished with a touch of pepper and espresso and framed by fresh acidity and perceptible tannins. The finish is dry, full flavoured and long lasting. Pick up a few bottles and try them over the next several years.

Viewpointe Estate Auxerrois 2011

VQA Lake Erie North Shore, Ontario
$14.95 (Vintages #327239) 12.5% alcohol

From a dramatic boutique estate winery on the shore of Lake Erie comes this lovely pale gold wine, tantalizing the nose with delicate aromas of stone and tropical fruit, pear and flowers. Just off-dry, the flavours are quite intense—pineapple, ripe yellow plum, apricot and juicy nectarine. It’s a very tasty wine with a fine balancing seam of acidity and a delicious fruity finish. A good choice to sip on its own or to savour with lightly spiced dishes, previous vintages have sold out quickly from the winery. Don’t miss the boat!

Featherstone Rosé 2012

VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
$14.95 (Vintages #117861) 12.0% alcohol
Produced from Gamay and Merlot, the deep rosy salmon color of this tasty rosé wine portends the intensity of aromas and flavours. Bursting with ripe red field berries and cherries, apple skin and mineral notes, it also exhibits hints of spice and pepper. Dry, mid weight, all that juicy flavour is balanced with lively acidity right through the lasting flavourful finish. A versatile, value-driven wine that will delight on its own or paired on a warm spring day with a balsamic beef and strawberry salad.

Alfredo Roca‘Reserva de Familia’ Pinot Noir 2010

Mendoza, Argentina
$19.95 (Vintages #301275) 13.0% alcohol
Aged 9 months in oak, displaying a garnet hue, this gem of a wine offers attractive aromas of cherry/berry garnished with notes of vanilla, spice and toast. Dry, silky in texture, it has a lovely core of ripe fruit—raspberry, cherry and blackberry—mingling with notes of spiced oak and earth. Approachable, with fruit deftly balanced by fresh acidity and fine tannins, it delivers a lengthy, dry yet smooth finish.

Château la Croix de Queynac 2009

AOC Bordeaux Supérieur
$15.95 (Vintages #138636) 13.0% alcohol

Deep ruby, this award-winning red wine offers depth of flavour and very nice value. The aromas are very ripe berry fruits, spice and cedar, with a sweet note of dried fruits. Dry, medium-full bodied, ripe tannins and a fine measure of acidity balance plush berry fruit, sweet spice and a trace of toasty vanilla that carries through the long-lasting dry finish. Enjoy this attractive blend now or over the next couple of years.

Grand Total: $99.70

For information on these and other wines go to www.savvycompany.ca

Tags: 2011 Viewpointe Estate Auxerrois, Accredited Sommelier Susan Desjardins, Chateau la Croix de Queynac 2009, Featherstone Rosé 2012, Featherstone Winery, Fielding Estate Winery, Hawkes Bay NZ, Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay, LCBO Vintages, Marlborough NZ, Monte Vilar Reserva, port, Port wine, red wine, Roca Reserva de Familia Pinot Noir, Roca Winery, rose wine, Savvy Company, Touriga Nacional, Waitaki Valley NZ, white wine
Posted in If I only had $100...I would buy at LCBO Vintages | No Comments »

We’re heading west to San Fran & Napa

Posted by Debbie

Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013

In Denver, as well as San Francisco, we had several opportunities to meet Canadians who had decided to work south of the 49th parallel. An interesting conversation was particularly had when we met Marcy Grossman - Canadian Consul General in Denver (centre left in black & white) who during her career, has been posted in various Canadian consulates throughout the US. During our meeting, we learned about how these consulates are an instrumental resource referring and assisting Canadian businesses to create business relationships with American companies. "We can help vet and find appropriate American businesses in the various regions to work with,” Marcy explains. "$1.9 billion of trade crosses the Canada-US border. And over 8 millions jobs in the US rely on trade with Canada". Marcy highlighted that in Colorado there are 100+ Canadian and internationally owned business including Suncor, EnCana, Great West Life, Molsons Coors, Agrium & Enerplus.

Each consulate has a list of priority industry sectors. In Denver, Marcy explained that they are:

North America Energy Security (pipeline, tar sands, etc)
Border Security
Agriculture and Trade Policies
Trade issues affecting competition

You can see the Rolex flipping in Marcy’s head as we explained the nature of our businesses. Without a beat, Marcy offered to make introductions, send useful documents and provide connections to firms that she and her team has existing relationships. What an incredible resource. Marcy was ready to help in every way.

We then peeled back the Canadian flag (figuratively) and turned the tables to ask Marcy about personal experiences about being a Canadian businesswoman working in the US. Afterall, for the past 2 weeks we have been exposed to all of the resources and initiatives that the American government has geared towards growing women entrepreneurs in their country. Finally we had the opportunity to talk with another Canadian businesswoman & were curious of her perspective from a Canadian point of view. Let’s just say, we could have spent hours more with Marcy. I look forward to our paths crossing again.

Always a place at the dinner table...

Each city we visited, the 6 of us had the opportunity to meet an even further extension of people and to experience non-business setting. We all remarked about the unexpected kindness and generosity of the people in each city who opened their own homes for us and welcomed us for dinner and great conversations. All done completely voluntarily through their affiliation with the US Institute of International Education program office their respective city.

Not only did we enjoy this personal connection, I was inspired and in return, I will look into doing the same for international visitors to Ottawa. Thank you to whose who set a spot for me at your table – Anar & Todd in San Jose (Anar is seated 2nd from left & Todd is in back row), Roy & Laurie (in Denver), Marty (in Kansas City) and Katrina (in Austin)....and their friends who joined us at the table too. While the food on the table was good, it was the people in the chairs that were most memorable.

Go west young ladies, go west!

While Denver was fascinating and held many more opportunities and ventures to experience, San Francisco awaits! After nearly a week in Denver, we re-packed our luggage one last time and headed west to enter into another time zone and to see the western most coast.

I have visited to San Francisco several times for both fun as well as for wine related work. It is such a dynamic city, I was looking forward to see what San Francisco Institute of International Education had arranged for us. Their itinerary covered a lot of freeways and certainly did not leave much free time to explore this fantastic city. We'll be back!

During our entire trip we have been trying to land dinner in Chinatown. We promised ourselves (and Amina as it was her birthday) that when we arrive in San Fran, it was the first thing we'd do. True to that plan, I asked the concierge at Park 55 Hotel not for his recommendations, rather for the Chinese restaurant he goes to. “The Capital on Clay Street has the best food and has the best chicken wings - hands down!” I was surprised by this comment, yet claims of San Francisco's best wings was proudly plastered on the front door and the cover of the menu. And so...when in Rome, do as the Romans do...we ordered a plate of these mysterious wines along with an array of interesting Chinese dishes. Every mouthful was loaded with fresh ingredients, fish and spices. Delish!

Lending a hand to grow a business

The meetings in San Fran & the Bay area were different from the other cities. We were invited into businesses focused on kick starting small businesses, primarily for immigrants.

We met with Opportunity Fund (located in Silicon Valley) to learn how they help small 'Ma and Pa' businesses in the Bay area from dry cleaners to taxi cab drivers with microlending. With their regional, they are providing loans mainly to Hispanics - 55% are women, and 42% are under 35 years old. “We are the first stop BEFORE they go to the bank for a loan”, explained Devin McAlpine.

From there, we met with Joanne Gan at Kiva to learn about the impact of 'crowd funding' – individuals like you and me offering a minimum of $25 to an emerging business in a different corner of the world. They are currently lending $400 million by means of 800,000 lenders (aka you & me) around the world supporting budding entrepreneurs with uber low interest rates. “We are a website that provides connections to people with money to people who are looking for ways to make money" explained Joanne. And wandering around their open space office, Kiva demonstrated a novel workspace format that those of us from the east would coin as ‘very west coast’. Lots of photos were taken to remind us that a cube farm does not nurture a successful business.

Leaving the cheque book behind, we then moved away from lending funds to lending space in a commercial kitchen with our visit to La Cocina. This is an incubator kitchen primarily for immigrants to create unique foods from their homeland in a certified FDA kitchen with the goal to grow into a new business venture. Complete with all of the industrial kitchen equipment you can imagine, professional development courses and business coaching as well as a dedicated team focused on creating opportunities (farmers markets, catering, festivals) their culinary creations to sell. We were all impressed us with the commitment to create both the push and pull to help build a community of new businesses, or as renown business author & blogger Seth Godin would call it - a tribe.

We were interested midst of other communities at work when we visited the beautiful campus of Standford University. 'It is so invigorating to be amongst young people learning’, Fiona mentioned as she looked around the campus & outdoor patio. Known as one of the most expensive universities in the US, I could not help myself from imagining what some of these young 20 somethings aspire to do once they graduated.

Do you know the way to San Jose?

Throughout my high tech career, rarely did a day go by when Silicon Valley goes unmentioned at the watercooler. In previous trips, I had driven past San Jose, but never stopped. This time, we arrived at our meeting earlier than planned, so we walked around the streets of San Jose and soaked up some California rays.

This Silicon Valley mecca that creates vibrant minds, innovative technologies and millionaires overnight was surprisingly dull and run down. Certainly there were corporate towers and campuses with familiar logos, but the main street lacked energy while the retail & restaurants were stagnate. Strange. The downtown core seemed to be somewhat ghost town, while surrounded by highrise corporate empires with logos of household names.

An afternoon in Napa with meetings of a different pace

Other flipside, in my wine career, Napa is the iconic mecca and I was thrilled that our last afternoon was dedicated to visiting the boutique wineries of Ceja Vineyards and St Supery Winery. Both businesses have a woman at helm. These two wineries are making an impression both locally as well as internationally with their wines. While for the past weeks, our meetings have been in boardrooms with death-by-Powerpoint slidedecks (ok, not that bad – it is just an expression!), I was excited to show the other ladies what a meeting in my wine world involved: sampling wines with the winery owner, talking about vintages, rambling through vineyards and visiting cellars.

Our tour was organized by Napa’s newest business (owned by 3 women no less!) – Verve Napa Valley Tours. First stop: Family run Ceja Vineyards where owner Amelia Ceja was holding down the fort at the tasting bar while juggling other buying clients. In contrast, our meeting at St Supery was in a private room overlooking 2200 oak barrels aging something amazing. Each meeting provided an educational & personalized tasting peppered with stories about the history of the business, commercial growth along with mentions of the significant buildings on the estate ...and whatever else came to mind over a glass of wine!

In keeping with our mantra to ‘go local’ at each city, I succumbed (yes, me of all people!) and the others too purchased some of our favorite Napa wines. These wines had connection to our tour and will be savoured & shared with those back home to remind us of our brief visit to experience first hand how California wine industry grows.

What? It's done!?!?

Just like the day we started, we boarded our bus & conversations about our experience kept us entertained all the way back to San Fran. The only difference from before, was that was the end of our scheduled itinerary. Our last appointment. Our last day. Weird…our IVLP trip was done.

3 weeks and 5 cities with 6 phenomenal women had come to a close. It felt odd. The day that followed felt even more empty, as we departed at different times to back to our home city. Fiona left a day early as she was already booked for a vacation with her son in Mexico. Amina switched to an airport hotel to catch her 5am flight (which she did not make in the end). I set my alarm for 4:30am to surprise & see Nancy, Jennifer & Stephanie off, then went back to bed before getting ready for my flight at 10am.

Waiting for me in the lobby was Johnsy (middle row with black hat) – our US State Department representative - who was with us every step of the way - literally. Johnsy made sure that we were always on schedule and stayed together. Thank you Johnsy for making sure that the trip went as smoothly as it did. I knew that you did so much more behind the scenes than you let on. Coincidentally, that once she was no longer watching over us, flights were delayed or missed & bags were lost. We all mentioned in email threads afterwards ‘where was Johnsy when we needed her?’

The best part of going away...is coming home

This saying is true of any holiday or time away from family for business travel. This trip was different though. While we arrived as strangers with a simple common thread of being Canadian, the experience that the US Embassy in Canada and the US State Department offered us by hand selecting the six of us to be part of their IVLP delegation focused on Women Entrepreneurs & Trade provided me personal growth, education that I probably haven’t realized its fullest impact yet, along with countless connections (not to mention a brick of business cards), and a greater appreciation for the importance of women being involved in growing the economy by starting their own businesses or breaking the glass ceiling – in any industry.

No post-trip report was required to be filed back to the US Embassy, rather I wrote this blog & tweeted as a way to give you a glimpse of my daily experiences as a proud women entrepreneur from Canada on the IVLP. Within days of my return, an email found its way into my inbox announcing that I was now an IVLP alumni and that there were still more connections and resources available in the months and years to come. The whirlwind trip may be done, yet the rest is only beginning.

In fact, last week, I had a quick voicemail from Amina saying that she was coming to Ottawa for a meeting the following day. I was excited to see her again! Picking her up at the station, we feverishly caught up all within 15 minutes while I drove her to her meeting. Little small talk was made and it was great to see her in her element….and later in the day, I found her ‘Afrique Expansion’ brochure left in the back seat of my car. She is definitely a businesswoman who never stops!

I imagine that this will be the way it is between the 6 of us now on. A friendly phone call to say hello, a tweet about an interesting tidbit or a group email to share the latest family or work news. I know that while we are spread across the country we will be inseparable. We will always be there for each other. What a cool feeling to have of a group of women I had a hard time keeping track of their names less than a month ago.

Efforts to make plans to get together or arrange a quick rendez-vous when our travels brings us to our home cities of Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Winnipeg or Prince George. Whatever may be the reason that our paths cross again, one thing is for certain, I have wonderful friends and business advisors who I can reach out to at anytime.

A million thanks!

Thank you to those at the US Embassy and US State Department who nominated and selected me to be part of the International Visitor Leadership Program featuring Women Entrepreneurs and Trade. I am truly grateful for the opportunities that you have created for me and look forward to those that are still to come.

With a glass of California wine in hand, I raise a glass to all of the people involved in making our trip memorable. Cheers to you!
-Debbie

OK....so what is our combined shoe & luggage count now?

Total number of checked luggage: 12 pieces – increased now to include a case of wine from Napa – guess who that belongs to? 
Total number of shoes & boots between the 6 of us: 42 pairs total
Weight of each piece of luggage: well, we all ‘hovered’ at the airlines' maximum 50lb mark per suitcase

Quotable quote & bloopers

Let’s just say that there are many inside jokes, stories and expressions that “will stay on the road”.

Continue to follow us on Twitter:

While we are not tweeting about our trip, we invite you continue to follow us on Twitter as we will be talking about #IVLP and the trip for a long time to come!
• @savvydebbie (me)
• @Halifax_Gateway (Nancy Phillips)
• @JenniferBrandle (Jennifer Brandle)
• @PillPak (Fiona Webster Mourant)
• @amigerba (Amina Gerba)
…while Stephanie had all of the latest tech gadgets in her purse, she never really got ‘onto’ Twitter…we’re still working on her!

What our fortunes say...

Tags: Agrium, California wine tour, Canadian Consulate, Ceja Vineyards, Denver, EnCana, Enerplus, Great West Life, International Visitor Leadership Program, IVLP, Kiva, La Cocina kitchen incubator, Marcy Grossman, Molsons Coors, Napa California wines, Napa Valley, Opportunity Fund, red wine, San Francisco, San Jose, Silicon Valley, St Supery Winery, Standford University, Suncor, US Embassy in Canada, Verve Napa Valley Tours, white wine, wine
Posted in Touring the US | No Comments »

Prince Edward County wineries are coming to Ottawa!

Posted by Debbie

Tuesday, April 2nd, 2013

Wine enthusiasts in Ottawa will be the first to taste and buy wines made in Prince Edward County with grapes from the stellar 2012 harvest. “2012 was remarkable, similar to the highly acclaimed 2007 and 2010 vintages in Ontario. The 2012 grape growing season had an unusually early spring with a hot and dry summer with little rain during the harvest months.” explains Glenn Symons, winery owner and winemaker of Lighthall Vineyards. “In fact, at several wineries across the province, grapes were harvested a record-breaking 3 to 5 weeks earlier than typical. The result of this impressive vintage can now be tasted in the wines, as wine is made in the vineyard.”

Back by popular demand, Ottawa based business, Savvy Company, is hosting the 2^nd annual County in the City Taste & Buy wine tasting on Thursday April 18^th at 7pm in the Panorama Room on the 2^nd floor of the National Arts Centre, Ottawa. This is the only event in Ottawa where a broad range of Prince Edward County red & white & sparkling wines can be sampled and purchased directly from the winemaker.

Prince Edward County is Canada’s fastest growing wine region with over 30 family run and small boutique wineries. Known as ‘The County’, the majority of the wines produced are not available at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO). Exclusively at this event, all of the feature wines will be available to order, providing event goers the opportunity to purchase any combination of wines from any of the County wineries. As an extra bonus, free shipping by courier will be offered for orders of 12 bottles (a case) – a great way continue to enjoy the newly released wines from 2012 vintage.

County in the City Participating Wineries:

Casa Dea Estates Winery
County Cider Company - showcasing their hard apple ciders
Devil’s Wishbone Winery
Exultet Estates
Harwood Estates Vineyards - an off the grid winery
Karlo Estates
Keint-He Winery & Vineyards
Lighthall Vineyards
Long Dog Winery
Rosehall Run Vineyards
Sandbanks Winery
Stanners Vineyard

...and even more wineries will be announced.

Tickets are available in advance only and are $55.00 per person when purchased before April 12, 2013 and will be $65.00 after that date. Groups of 4 people are $200.00. Ticket prices include HST. Click here to purchase tickets.

What is a Taste & Buy event?

Consumers can sample any number of the featured wines and order directly from the winery. Exclusive at this event, orders can be ANY combination of wines from ANY of the wineries and the wines will be delivered by courier to an Ontario address. And Savvy Company’s Sommeliers will be on hand to share wine recommendations and guide event goers to ‘must try wines’ based on their personal preferences.

Media Contact:
Debbie Trenholm
President & Sommelier
Savvy Company
613.SAVVYCO (613.728.8926)
cell: 613-851-1785
@savvydebbie

Tags: Casa-Dea Estates, County Cider Company, County in the City, Debbie Trenholm, Devil's Wishbone Winery, Harwood Estates Vineyards, Karlo Estates, Keint-he Winery & Vineyards, LCBO, Lighthall Vineyards, Long Dog Winery, National Arts Centre, Prince Edward County wineries, red wine, Rosehall Run Vineyards, Sandbanks Winery, Savvy Company, Stanners Vineyard, white wine
Posted in Press Releases & Announcements | No Comments »

Proudly a Canadian Company

Savvy Team

Your personal sommeliers

Posts Tagged ‘white wine’

Posted by Eva

Savvy Selections wine of the month club Featuring Lailey Vineyard - June 2013 -

A ‘must visit’ on your next trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake

Introducing…Lailey Vineyard

Presented by Sommelier Éva Nagy

The main man behind the winery - Derek Barnett

A fun bunch – and we’re not talking grapes!

Favorites – vintages, wines & harvest

A Curious Mind

Cheers & enjoy your Savvy Selections!

~ SAVVY SOMMELIER TASTING NOTES ~

OPTIONAL WINE: Canadian Oak Meritage VQA 2010$40.00

~ RECIPES TO ENJOY WITH YOUR SAVVY SELECTIONS ~

With Lailey Sauvignon Blanc VQA 2012 …

Spanakopita

With Lailey Canadian Oak Chardonnay VQA 2011 …

Chicken & Farfalle with Creamy Walnut Sauce

With Lailey Cabernet Sauvignon VQA 2010…

Grilled Portobello Mushrooms

Enjoy your Savvy Selections!

Posted by Susan

Posted by Debbie

It is that easy to shop for Ontario wines!

Order Niagara-on-the-Lake wines featured at One Unforgettable Taste & Buy

Order Prince Edward County wines, ciders & craft beers featured at The Great Canadian Cheese Festival

Posted by Debbie

Another SOLD OUT Savvy Event!

One Unforgettable Taste & Buy is about tasting, discovering & ordering …

Featured wineries & wines:

One Unforgettable Taste & Buy - details

We look forward to seeing you at One Unforgettable Taste & Buy. Everyone is welcome to join us!

Posted by Julie

Which ones to pick? Here's my shopping list!

Enjoy, cheers...and Happy Mother's Day!

Greenlane Estate Unoaked Chardonnay 2011

Chateau Tananda Grand Barossa Shiraz 2010

Grand Total: $ 88.75

What to buy with the $11.25 in change?

Posted by Debbie

Savvy Selections wine of the month club Featuring Karlo Estates - April 2013 -

In your Savvy Selections, you will find:

Cheers & Enjoy!

Karlo Estates Winery Presented by Amanda Jackson

My first impression of The County

This wine maker started young

...and became a wine achiever!

Tasting our way through the Karlo wine list

An accomplished winemaker and bridge builder

Cheers & enjoy your Savvy Selections!

~ SAVVY SOMMELIER TASTING NOTES ~

Pinot Gris VQA 2011, $21.00

Cabernet Franc VQA 2011 $24.00

Quintus VQA 2010 $35.00

~ RECIPES TO ENJOY WITH YOUR SAVVY SELECTIONS ~

With Karlo Estates Pinot Gris VQA 2011…

Pistachio Crusted Sea Scallops

Ingredients

With Karlo Estates Cabernet Franc VQA 2010…

Coffee Rub for BBQ steak

Method

With Karlo Estates Quintus VQA 2010…

Dijon Herbed Prime Rib

With Karlo Estates VanAlstine Ports…

Hazelnut Torte

Enjoy your Savvy Selections!

Posted by Julie

What are Veneto wines?

The real splurge...

Spring Cheers,

La Cappuccina Soave 2012 (Organic)

Chateau Haut-Plaisance 2010

Antolini Recioto Della Valpolicella Classico 2009 (Dessert Wine)

Grand Total: $98.80

Posted by Susan

New Zealand - commitment to sustainable winemaking

Portugal - tradition integrated with state-of-the art viticulture

Cheers and Enjoy,

Savvy Selections wine of the month club
Featuring Lailey Vineyard
- June 2013 -

We look forward to seeing you at One Unforgettable Taste & Buy.
Everyone is welcome to join us!

Savvy Selections wine of the month club
Featuring Karlo Estates
- April 2013 -